Job Openings and Recruitment

4 Ways you’re ruining your customer service career

It’s no secret that the Philippine business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, dominated by voice customer service, is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country. It’s also recognized as one of the best outsourcing destinations in the world. What makes it stand out are its English-proficient workforce, cultural flexibility, and affordable costs.

Regardless of your age or professional background, the call center industry can help you build a dynamic career. Here, you’ll be qualified as long as you have excellent communication skills, great problem solving skills, and a knack for delivering customer support.This makes it an ideal career hub for Filipino professionals and even multicultural expatriates. In fact, the entire outsourcing sector is seeking to employ 1.3 million professionals before 2016 ends.

However, even though it’s relatively easy to make your way into this sector, it doesn’t mean that you can slack off. Here are four ways you may be ruining your BPO career.

1. You don’t get enough rest.

Working in a contact center can be difficult. In most cases, you’d have to deal with a huge volume of calls, and this might compel you to work overtime on a regular basis.

Try not to make this a habit. Studies show that the most productive workers are those who get enough rest and have time to enjoy life outside of work. Constantly working long hours—beyond your eight-hour shift—can result to high stress levels and burnout.

Rather, do make it a point to sleep well, exercise, and eat a balanced diet. Spend time with your loved ones, and engage in your hobbies as well. A healthy, fully functioning body and mind will allow you to do your tasks to your fullest capacity.

2. You don’t enhance your other skills.

Most people think they don’t need other skills besides effective communication to succeed in their customer service career. Nothing can be farther from the truth.

In reality, you need a wide skill set to be a high-performing call center agent. Sure, being highly proficient in written and oral communication is an asset. Aside from this, however, you also need to be creative, tech-savvy, and resourceful. Focusing on improving your leadership abilities will also give you a great advantage.

3. You’re not creating new connections.

Regardless of the industry you’re in, building a professional network is a must. Most managers opt to promote employees who are well-connected. Not only does it imply that you’re influential, but it also shows how sociable and agreeable you are.

Besides that, meeting new people will allow you to learn new things, especially if you take time to listen to their stories. Their real-life experiences are perhaps some of the best career advice that you’ll ever receive.

4. You job-hop.

Job hopping is fairly common within the BPO industry. There are always job openings available in every contact center, and this can be enticing for employees who aren’t satisfied with their current workplace.

Indeed, there are instances when you need to seek greener pastures, especially if you and the company you’re working for have conflicting values. However, growing with one company and helping improve its internal practices is a very fulfilling experience. In the end, your loyalty will be rewarded with great career opportunities.